How to find a vein
Palpate for it, don’t just look!
7 Things to avoid in site selection
Mastectomy, Edema, Hematoma, Transfusion, Scarring, Fistula, Proximal to an IV
Consent required for venipuncture
Written consent not required but do obtain verbal consent
Where should a tourniquet be applied and how long can it be left on
Apply 3-4 inches above site and do not leave on for more than 1 minute
When can’t you reuse a tourniquet
When it is bloody or soiled
Direction tourniquet ends should go
Bunny ears up, not frog legs down
Insertion angle for venipuncture needle
10-20 degrees, insert with bevel UP